"Fortunately," he says, "deer went into the winter with an average layer of fat on them. And the snow depth in most of the state is not covering the vegetation. Slopes that face south are nearly bare in some areas, so the deer can still find food."

The pellets are formulated to fit the complex digestive system mule deer have. The pellets are also designed to give deer extra energy. Extra energy is something deer often need when the temperature is cold and the snow is deep.

If the need arises, the DWR is ready to purchase pellets and feed deer.

Aoude says DWR biologists will continue to monitor the deer herds closely. "If feeding becomes necessary," he says, "we'll make sure it's done at the right time and with the right type of food."

How you can help

To help them get through the winter, deer put weight on throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Anytime a deer is disturbed, it has to burn some of its precious fat reserves to try to escape the threat.

With that in mind, not disturbing deer is one of the best things you can do to help deer in the winter: